It is believed the man contacted an Anglicare staff member this morning, who then contacted her mother.

Mr Levy said he had not met the man.

"He'd already left with the police to be interviewed by the time we arrived," he said.

"She (Michelle) seemed very chirpy .

"Apparently they went shopping yesterday – she had a bag of Pods, the little chocolate cup things… that she was sharing around."

Michelle was still wearing the same dress and had had "plenty to eat". Superintendent Jason Box said officers are now trying to piece together the young girl's movements but believe she met the man in Bondi and was then taken to Randwick.

"I'm glad she's safe and well, and after two days there was some concern for her wellbeing due to her young age," he told reporters at Waverley police station.

About a thousand people took to the streets of Sydney overnight in a bid to track down Michelle.

Michelle's mother expressed her gratitude for the widespread support.

"Organisations have been organising searches last night. Jewish House organised one which had over a thousand volunteers which has just been an amazing response," she said.